Washington State University’s Center for Innovation established its Manufacturing Roundtable to connect local inventors, start-ups and entrepreneurs to nearby experts in manufacturing to help them bring products to market.
The Center for Innovation brings founders from companies like Quadralynx and regional manufacturing resources together, enabling them to meet with potential vendors, the U.S. Economic Development Administration reported March 9.
"It was a really productive conversation. Quadralynx was able to meet with and learn about the local manufacturing capabilities we have right here in Spokane and has begun consulting with a few of the companies that attended. It's a win-win," said April Needham, director of Washington State University's Center for Innovation.
Quadralynx has begun the development of wearable biometric devices that would serve adults with motor speech impairment and related neurological disorders. Company founders gained connections with approximately a dozen local manufacturing and engineering firms at a round table event.
The inventors and entrepreneurs learn more about how to bring their inventions to market. They add people and companies to their contact lists that can help with prototypes, development and design.
Spokane, Wash., has rapidly grown, with much of its success reportedly coming from innovative business landscapes and the work done by the Washington State University’s Center for Innovation.
The Center for Innovation has helped nearly 300 small and emerging eastern Washington businesses, including product market research for Glucose Revival, a manufacturer of novel glucose necklaces for diabetics. Aquipor Technologies gained connections to funding sources for its company, which develops permeable concrete technology.
The Center for Innovation became funded by the Department of Commerce in 2017 as an important resource for inventors and entrepreneurs in the region.
